asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of drainage schemes prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works, under Section 4 of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945; the land area which will be improved by virtue of each scheme; the estimated cost of carrying out each scheme; and the expenditure already incurred in connection therewith.
Written Answers. - Drainage Schemes.
One drainage scheme, viz., for the Brosna catchment area, Counties Laoighis, Offaly and Westmeath, has been prepared under Section 4 of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. The area of land to be improved by the execution of that scheme is 50,334 acres, together with 36,561 acres of virgin bog. The present estimated cost of the works is £1,080,000. This figure does not include the expenditure incurred on the preparation of the drainage scheme, which amounted to about £25,000.
No expenditure has as yet been incurred on actual drainage operations under the Act.